Be Well
“The Good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It’s your mind you have to convince.”
– Vincent Lombardi
A profound statement by Vince Lombardi, an example of talent and integrity whom many coaches today could emulate … but that is an article for someone else to write!
My topic today is the importance of the mind-body connection as it relates to physical fitness and I will address not just the importance of a fitness program as we age, but the mindfulness of staying fit. In working with clients on their nutrition and fitness goals, I have found that too often we “baby boomers” just want to give up once we approach the mid-50s/60s age. The worst offenders are those that, surprisingly, were at or near their ideal weight in their younger adult life. They believe that they can practice the same eating habits and often the sedentary habits of prior years. Nothing could be further from the truth! I also frequently talk with people who were athletes in their younger years and have completely removed themselves from the commitment and energy that once propelled them to their optimum physical state. I was quite a “twirler” in my younger years and though not as flexible or with the quick reflexes of my youth, I still enjoy twirling my baton from time to time and just enjoying the coordination of the movement and nostalgia of the activity.
I would venture to say that there may be those phenomenon of nature who can stay fit and healthy without making changes as they age, but those people are few and far between, trust me. While our parents and grandparents often became debilitated as they approached their mature years, it does not need to happen! What can you do about that? Quite a lot, actually. Let’s review some of the choices:
Healthy eating – This means no (or rarely) indulging in the drive-thru option. Society has become so accustomed to mindless eating whenever we get the urge that we have become the most obese country on the planet, no bragging rights there! When we eat less and make nutritional choices, we will lose weight and feel better.
Flexibility – Ask anyone over the age of 50 if they are as flexible and balanced these days as they were in their earlier years … Do you have a family member who has fallen and ended up losing much of their mobility due to that fall? We all dread the thought of losing mobility, which equals losing independence. Routine stretching and flexibility are critical to staying fit and independent.
Strength training – If you are over 50 can you honestly say that you are as strong as you were when you were younger; is it more difficult to pick up a bag of groceries (paper, not plastic!) or a bag of potting soil, etc.? As most of us know, muscles will atrophy from non-use. Routine strength training will help you to keep your muscle mass and bone strength. Although our spines naturally compress throughout the years and most of us will lose some of our height, it is critical that we keep our bone structure as strong as possible, and this is true particularly for women.
Cardio – Do you consistently breathe deeply and regularly, slowly inhaling oxygen and expelling the carbon dioxide? Most of us practice shallow breathing on a regular basis. A good cardio workout, whether that is running, walking, dancing, or playing ball, will force you to breathe deeply and strongly. Your heart and lungs with thank you, along with your muscle tone and balance!
As Coach Lombardi indicated, it is our minds that we must convince – there is only one option to growing older, and although with faith we can look forward to that option, let’s make the best choices while we are here – are you in?
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.